Linear Foot Calculator
Convert linear feet to pieces and vice versa
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Select the type of material (boards, molding, pipe, or fencing)
- Choose your input unit (linear feet or pieces)
- Enter the quantity you have or need
- Enter the length per piece in feet
- Click calculate to get total linear feet and pieces needed
What is a Linear Foot?
A linear foot is a measurement of length in a straight line. Unlike square feet (which measure area) or cubic feet (which measure volume), linear feet simply measure the distance from one point to another. One linear foot equals 12 inches or 0.333 yards.
Linear feet are commonly used in construction and home improvement projects to measure materials like lumber, molding, fencing, piping, and trim work.
Linear Foot Formula
To convert between linear feet and pieces:
Total Linear Feet = Number of Pieces × Length per Piece
Number of Pieces = Total Linear Feet ÷ Length per Piece
Common Applications
- Molding and trim work - baseboards, crown molding, chair rails
- Fencing materials - rails, pickets, posts
- Lumber - boards, dimensional lumber
- Piping - PVC, copper, steel pipes
- Decking boards and railing
- Wire and cable
- Rope and chain
Material Buying Tips
- Always add 10-15% extra for waste, cuts, and mistakes
- Check standard lengths available for your material
- Consider the most economical piece length to minimize waste
- Account for joints and overlaps in your calculations
- Verify material availability before finalizing your calculations
- Plan cuts to maximize material usage
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is linear foot different from square foot?
- Linear foot measures length in one dimension (like the length of a board), while square foot measures area in two dimensions (like the size of a floor). Linear feet = length only. Square feet = length × width.
- How do I calculate linear feet for molding?
- Measure the total length of the walls or perimeter where you'll install the molding. Add up all the measurements to get total linear feet. Don't forget to add 10-15% for waste and mitered corners.
- What standard lengths are available for common materials?
- Common standard lengths vary by material: Lumber typically comes in 8', 10', 12', 14', and 16' lengths. Molding is usually available in 8', 10', 12', and 16' sections. PVC pipe comes in 10' and 20' lengths. Always check with your supplier for specific materials.
- How much extra should I buy for waste?
- A good rule of thumb is to add 10-15% extra for straight runs and 15-20% for projects with many corners or complex cuts. For beginners, consider adding 20% to ensure you have enough material.
- Can I use this calculator for metric measurements?
- This calculator is designed for imperial measurements (feet). To use metric measurements, first convert meters to feet (1 meter = 3.28084 feet), perform the calculation, then convert back if needed.